It is common for newborns to spit up milk, which is related to their immature stomach development. Spitting up may occur when the feeding exceeds the stomach’s capacity or is triggered by burping. In most cases, this common spitting up does not lead to serious consequences such as choking, and as babies learn to sit and stand, the situation often significantly improves. However, in very rare cases, frequent and severe spitting up may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease, which parents should pay attention to.
To alleviate the situation of newborns spitting up, the following methods can be tried:
Ensure a quiet and pleasant feeding environment, avoiding distractions.
Reduce disturbances such as noise and bright light during feeding.
Pause feeding every 3-5 minutes to burp the baby when formula feeding.
Avoid laying the baby flat while feeding.
Hold the baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding.
Avoid engaging the baby in vigorous activity or compressing the abdomen immediately after feeding.
Feed the baby before they become extremely hungry if possible.
Adjust bottle nipple size appropriately, neither too large nor too small.
Elevate the head side of the baby’s crib moderately, in a sloping position, to prevent breathing difficulties due to spitting up during sleep.
It is important to note that if the baby behaves normally after spitting up, shows no discomfort, and is growing well, there is usually no need to worry excessively. However, prompt medical attention is required if the following signs are observed:
Spitting up accompanied by obvious tension or pain.
Crying or refusing to continue feeding after swallowing a few mouthfuls quickly during feeding.
Difficulty soothing to sleep, or frequent brief awakenings and crying during sleep.
Symptoms such as coughing after swallowing.
Preferring to be held upright, these could be symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, requiring further evaluation by a doctor.
